- Best EdX Criminology Courses Guide - August 16, 2022
- Best EdX Design Courses That Could Help Jumpstart Your Career - August 16, 2022
- EdX vs Pluralsight - August 16, 2022
Most of us are aware that learning a language can lead to new opportunities and experiences. And while Mandarin Chinese and Spanish stand out as practical languages to learn, it turns out that you should consider learning French if you’re looking towards the future.
Statistics from Ulrich Ammon, the University of Dusseldorf, and the Population Reference Bureau were compiled in a starling report by the Washington Post. Some of the information was not so surprising, with Chinese speakers, including all dialects, easily comprising the majority spoken language in the world.
It’s difficult to predict exactly what language will grow most quickly in the future, and it depends on how prediction models are constructed. The chart below, showcasing research compiled by the UN World Population Prospects and the British Council, showcases the fastest-growing economies, about language.
The thought is that studying languages that top this list is the wisest route to go, with the potential for the most business and travel opportunities.
But here’s where it gets interesting. Since it is exceedingly difficult to predict population growth and language acquisition decades out, not all surveys agree with one another.
While French has often been disregarded, if the political climate were to change– and more stability to occur– African nations could play a big role in bringing the language to great prominence.
A study by investment bank Natixis predicted that French could become the most widely spoken language in the world by 2050, pointing to growth in African nations. There are limitations to the study, but there’s no doubt that French is still one of the top languages to study.
But is learning French right for you? Here’s my take, considering the data, opportunities, and my own experience learning French. I’ll tell you the pros and cons, as well as the best place to learn French online today.
What Language Should I Learn?
First, the good news: learning any language can be helpful. Learning a new language can connect you with others, open up new opportunities, expose you to new cultures, and even improve how your brain functions.
Myriad studies have at least correlated language acquisition to better memory skills, concentration, multitasking, and even increased creativity. Even if you don’t end up using a new language in your everyday life, there are many benefits.
The more difficult part? Deciding which language to learn. The truth is there is no one best language, but there are some that stand out as easier, useful, or more directly linked to potential job opportunities for English speakers.
What is the Easiest Language to Learn?
If you’ve never studied a second language before, it might be wise to start learning a language that’s easier to understand. The easiest language to learn is the one that has the most in common, including general syntax and vocabulary, with your native language.
Languages that use the same characteristics and alphabet and share similarities in verb construction are naturally easier to learn than those that don’t.
Which Language is the Easiest to Learn for English Speakers?
How does this translate? For English speakers, some of the easiest languages to learn to include Dutch, Norwegian, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, and French.
Spanish and Italian are ranked the easiest of this group to learn. All of these languages share similar root words with English and share many similarities. German is listed as one of the next easiest languages.
Outside of European languages, Malay and Swahili, Hungarian, Greek, and Russian round out the top several. Russian is vastly more difficult to learn than French for most English speakers, but also vastly easier than other languages.
What is the World’s Hardest Language?
While it’s difficult to peg down the easiest language to learn, the hardest one is fairly agreed upon. Often cited as also the most useful language, learning Mandarin Chinese is easily the hardest major language for most to learn.
English is listed as a challenging language for non-native speakers. And Tuyuca, a language spoken by under a thousand speakers, is considered to be the most complex.
Which Foreign Language has More Job Opportunities?
Learning a foreign language by no means guarantees a job, but in some cases, especially within international business, it can increase your chances. Currently, Mandarin Chinese offers the most job opportunities. Within the United States, Spanish is also incredibly useful, as well as Tagalog, Vietnamese, French, and French Creole.
Different industries, and where you want to work, or who you want to work with or for, also will change what language is more useful for more job opportunities.
Which Foreign Language is Highly Paid?
Your pay is not directly related to the language you learn, but rather how you’re using it, and where. For translators, some suggest that German, French, Arabic, Dutch, Chinese, Spanish, Italian, Russian make the top pay rate, in that order.
But it all changes based on where you work. For instance, French is highly paid in India. But all told, there are compelling reasons to believe that French translators and teachers earn above many other languages, even if they don’t always make the top spot.
What are the Pros and Cons of Learning French?
But let’s focus on French a little more. French is a beautiful language, and learning about French culture around the world is incredibly enriching. But I also know that taking time to learn a language requires careful consideration for most. Here’s a little more about what to consider before starting to learn French.
Is French Tough to Learn?
For some reason, the French have a reputation amongst some for being difficult. While it’s not the easiest language to learn for English speakers, it’s also certainly not the most difficult to learn.
Since it shares language and syntax with English and also relies on similar Latin root words, most find that French is an easy language to start with, even if it’s their first attempt at a non-native language.
The most difficult aspects of learning French include irregular verbs, accents, and pronunciation. French is neither the easiest language to learn, but it’s a very plausible language to learn for most.
Is French Easier than Spanish?
Spanish is usually considered the easier language to learn between French vs Spanish. However, this is most pronounced for beginning courses.
Getting acquainted with the French language takes more time, but has some perks as well. For instance, French has just two pronouns, while Spanish has four. Both are reasonably easy to learn, and both pose unique challenges.
Is French a Dead Language?
French is most certainly not a dead language. While it’s true the use of the French language has declined some in recent years, there’s potential it will increase in the future, especially within African nations. It’s hard to predict what will happen with French, but it’s still a widely used and revered language.
Where is French Commonly Used?
It should come as little surprise that France and Corsica widely speak French. Canada, Belgium, Switzerland, Monaco, Italy, and the United States round out the top 7 countries. 40 percent of French speakers reside in Europe, but an often underplayed 35 percent preside in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Northern Africa and the Middle East constitute 15 percent of French speakers, 8 percent in the Americas, and just 1 percent in Asia. As you can see, French is more globally used than you might expect– and it does show potential for more growth.
Is French Useful in the USA?
This is where there’s a great deal of debate. The most useful language to learn in the United States depends on your perspective. There’s little doubt that Spanish is more widely used and spoken– and can lead to more immediate job opportunities.
At the same time, more people study Spanish and knowing the French language can make you stand out. Since French is prominent in Canada as well, it can be valuable. French can even improve your understanding of English and other languages– including Spanish– as well.
You need to decide for yourself how you plan to use French– but by no means is it useless to learn even if you plan to stay in the United States. There are many ways in which it can be applied.
Should I Learn French Online?
Of course, how you learn French can be important as well, and there are certainly are pros and cons to learning by yourself, online, or in person.
For learning how to speak and immerse yourself fully, there’s little doubt that there are great advantages to speaking with others. But if you’re starting to learn a language, there are many advantages to learning online.
Can You Learn a Language by Yourself?
Learning a language entirely by yourself is challenging, and it depends on what you mean by “by yourself.” Some lump online courses with this, while others think of it as buying a book and studying. Easier languages can sometimes be learned this way – and especially for those with a natural talent for languages.
Living in a region that prominently speaks another language has been said to be one of the best ways to learn a new language, but, of course, this is not practical for all.
Much depends on your learning style, level of motivation, and circumstances. If you find yourself not making much progress, chances are you need to look into a new way to learn French.
What I Can I Do to Supplement French Courses?
Even if you enroll in the best French courses, there are several strategies you should consider to enhance your learning. Doing so can improve retention, keep you engaged, and keep you focused on your coursework. Even better, most of these are cost-effective solutions that you can do on your own time:
French Podcasts
Immerse yourself in the French language as you commute, work out, or even fix dinner. Whether you’re listening to French news, commentary, or even a discussion about the French language, you’ll be training your brain to recognize speaking patterns. Coffee Break French is great for beginners and intermediate learners.
French Workbooks
I know, it isn’t exactly exciting. But French workbooks can go a long way towards active learning, and sometimes the act of writing drills something into our brains learning online doesn’t. This is especially helpful if you’re struggling with basic French grammar. For this, I recommend the Complete French Grammar Guide.
French Flashcards
Shore up your vocabulary and even make a game of it. Flashcards test your skills and can be fun to use with someone else. You can do online drills, or buy Beginner French Vocabulary Cards.
Is Learning French Easier Through Online Courses?
Learning French online is easier in some ways and more difficult in others. Much of this depends on what you value for a learning experience.
I argue that the best online learning opportunities can be beneficial for beginners, but that advanced, spoken language does need to be practiced with others. Here are the pros and cons to consider for learning French online.
Pros of Learning French Online
- Flexibility: You can work around busy schedules, learning when you have the time instead of struggling to fit courses into your schedule.
- Affordability: Many online learning options are cheaper than in-person classes
- Safety: With the global health crisis continuing, many may be more comfortable learning remotely
- Beginner-Friendly: Taking a language course for the first time can be intimidating. For many, learning online provides a low-pressure environment, along with the ability to learn at your own pace
Cons of Learning French Online
- Isolating: As someone who’s currently teaching online, and who has taught and learned online and in traditional settings, there’s just a different environment. As convenient as learning online can be, it’s harder to make a true connection with peers or your instructor. Some courses allow you to write to other students via forums and direct tutoring options that can mitigate this, but it’s still not the same experience.
- Not As Immersive: This ties into the first problem. It’s not as much of a problem for beginning French, but learning how to speak French in a room with other students is helpful for language acquisition and especially for learning how to speak.
- Self-Initiated: You have to be focused and determined to take a course online, especially for learning French. Keeping consistent will make it easier for you to learn. If you don’t do well without as much direction, it may prove challenging.
- Employment Prospects: This is tricky and hard to define. Even a graduate degree in French does not guarantee a job. However, just note that an online learning platform is not the equivalent of professional certification or degree. It’s rather a stepping stone to other learning opportunities and for future study. It can also be used to bolster other skills.
Best Place to Learn French Online: My Pick
If you’re set on learning French, and you’re considering learning online, don’t select just any learning platform. Many learning platforms look great on the surface but offer less than stellar experiences.
In the past year, even some of the most popular–and previously best– language platforms have tanked in reputation and ratings, with formal complaints piling up.
I searched for a while, investigating some of the most prominent language learning platforms to find the best place to learn French online.
I made sure that the platform had a high professional and consumer reviews and offered a genuine learning experience. After this research, I concluded on one learning platform I can recommend for learning French online, and that’s Berlitz.
The company offers both online and in-person courses and is rated with an A+ from the Better Business Bureau, with a history of excellence. I love the idea of taking even some online and some in-person– and the flexibility this platform offers.
Berlitz Online French Classes
Online courses are available for both adults and children, which is refreshing to see. For adults, you can opt for private online courses, group courses, or a subscription with practice opportunities. Berlitz is truly different from competitors in that their courses are far more immersive than many– and come close to mimicking an in-person experience.
Private Online French Courses
You’ll receive personalized, one-on-one instruction that’s customized to your learning style and goals. You’ll also receive 24/7 access to course materials and the ability to track your progress. Within these courses, you can choose from the following plans:
| Private Online Standard | Private Online Premium | Private Online A La Carte |
| 20 lessons in 2 months or 40 lessons in 3 monthsFixed Schedule | 20 lessons in 2 months or 40 lessons in 3 monthsFlexible Schedule | Single Lessons or Packages45 to 60 minute LessonsPractice For Skill Sets |
I love the flexibility in these options, making them an excellent choice no matter what type of schedule you have. Customizing your learning goals likewise goes above and beyond the cookie-cutter approach to online language learning.
Group Online French Courses
Group online French courses are a great way to get used to learning and speaking with others. Such classes can allow you to meet new people, practice in a more immersive environment, and even cut down on how isolating some online courses can feel.
These courses are offered in small group settings, along with the same 24/7 access to course materials. You’ll engage in conversations, through discussions, role play, and more. You can also directly talk with your instructor. Of course, such classes are on a fixed schedule.
Online French Subscription + Practice Access
The self-paced model also exists with Berlitz, for a more typical online learning experience. Perfect for busy and self-motivated students, this option allows you to learn at your own pace and set your own goals.
But you’ll also get the opportunity to schedule practice with instructor-led sessions and practice, supplementing your learning.
Berlitz In-Person French Classes
If you love the Berlitz learning models but still aren’t sold on learning a new language online, the company also offers in-person classes at language center locations. Unfortunately, those locations are fairly limited for now, and hopefully, they will expand in the future.
Those locations include Washington D.C.; Florida (Orlando and Miramar); Maryland (Odenton); New Jersey (Princeton); New York, New York; and Virginia (Vienna).
These are offered in both group and private sessions. Not that all availability is pending on current openings and your desired language.
Small-Group French Learning
Conversations, activities, and community are all pluses, with small group sizes. You’ll also have the option to make up classes online if you can’t make a session. Courses run in 12-week cycles and meet twice a week for 90-minute sessions each time.
Private Instruction French Learning
Private sessions are flexible and customizable. You can learn at your own pace, set your own goals, and have ample opportunities to practice speaking. There are also many different options within private instruction, including a la carte and premium plans. See the photo above for all the different options available.
In summary, Berlitz is an excellent place to learn French, both online, and, if possible, in person, Learn about all Berlitz French Courses Here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What Language is Closest to English?
Answer: When people consider languages close to English, commonly mentioned options include Spanish, French, and even Italian. However, Frisian is the language with the closest ties to English. The Germanic language is spoken by under 500,000 people residing in the Netherlands and Germany.
Question: Is English Closer to French or German?
Answer: While French is perceived as easier to learn than German for native English speakers, German has many similarities to English as well.
As of 2016, the English language consisted of roughly 29 percent French origins, 29 percent Latin origins, 26 percent German origins, 6 percent of Greek origins, and 10 percent from other languages.
Question: Is French Harder than German?
Answer: French and German have similar difficulty levels for the entire learning experience– but they differ as you learn. French is easier to learn at first, having a bit more in common with English. Yet intermediate to advanced French is considered more challenging and complex for native English speakers than German.
Is France Actually Romantic?
Answer: France has long been seen as the country of romance. French itself is a romance language, alongside Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese.
The country is known for its stunning sites, from the breathtaking lavender fields of Provence to the iconic Eiffel Tour. Both the language and the country will forever be symbolized with romance and allure.
Question: What is the Most Beautiful French Word?
There is not one most beautiful French word, likely because so many are spoken with beauty. One of my favorites is papillon. The name itself is lovely, but so is the meaning.
A butterfly is a symbol of beauty, transformation, and the cycles of life. Other gorgeous French words include tournesol (sunflower), cherie (dear/ term of endearment), and coeur (heart).
Final Thoughts
Learning French can be enriching– and I truly hope you fall in love with the language as much as I have. Whether you’re learning for a new job opportunity or just for personal enrichment, the important thing is to learn in a way that suits you. Whether that’s self-paced online or in person, there are many opportunities.
If you’re not sure of your goals, I encourage you to start with an affordable option before enrolling in a formal degree program. If possible, discuss with an advisor what makes the most sense for you.